65

[REBECCA]
A week later
It had been three weeks since I cut myself and my last nightmare. I was supposed to remove my stitches a few days ago but Wyatt said it was better to keep them in for a little longer to make sure the cut was sealed properly.
So much happened in those weeks.
My relationship with Artemy was growing stronger each day. His patience and gentleness sang to my heart. He was considerate and never pushed for more.
My feelings for him was indescribable, and Lynda was on cloud nine.
I finally understood what she meant when she said her ship was sailing. Shaking my head, I smiled. She was so silly but the greatest friend and sister anyone could ever ask for. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here, happy.
Looking up at the clock, I said, “Almost time. He told me to see him before lunch.”
“Want me to come with you?”
“Of course. I’m expecting you to,” I replied, putting the cut vegetables in the bowl next to me.
“What about Artemy?” she asked.
“He said he is busy,” I muttered.
I heard her sigh beside me, making me look up.
“Milandro has been pretty busy lately too. Something is wrong with the clubs, from what I’ve heard.”
I nodded and wiped my hand in my apron. “Artemy has been a little stressed out. Always lost in his thoughts. I tried to get him to talk to me but he said he didn’t want to worry me about his problems.”
Lynda shook her head with an exasperated sigh. “Milandro said the Wyatte thing. Men.” She washed her hands. “Let’s go.”
Wyatt was already waiting for us in his office. He gave us a small smile as we settled in.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“I’m great,” I said.
“Any nightmares?”
Shaking my head, I presented him my arm as he got his stuff ready. “No. No more nightmares.”
He nodded and took my arm in his hand. “Good. Are you taking your medicines on time?” This time, he looked at Lynda.
She nodded and placed a hand on my shoulders. “I give her the medicines on time. It’s all good.”
“If you feel a little uneasy with my removing the stitches, just avert your gaze. I’ll be done in no time,” Wyatt suggested.
“Okay,” I said, looking away.
While Wyatt worked on getting my stitches out, Lynda talked. Wyatt even joined sometimes, making some random jokes. I didn’t even realize when he was done until he said so.
“Done,” Wyatt said, leaning back and pushing his chair away. I looked down at my arms.
They were free of the stitches but not from the scars. From where the stitches used to be, there was a faint pink line.
Wyatt noticed me looking. “It’s going to take some time for the scars to fade away.”
The words made my heart ache. He might have been talking about the scars on my arms but the words meant more to me.
It would take some time for my scars to fade. My physical scars and my emotional scars. I didn’t know how long it was going to take for me to be rid of them.
I was finally living a life but the scars ran too deep. Sometimes, I wondered, would I ever forget and move on fully?
“Cocoa butter is a great way to help. I would suggest you apply it on your scars every day or two. Depends on you. I will prescribe you a tube of scar-fading cream. That might help,” Wyatt said.
I nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”
“But it will take some time. Even years,” he added.
“I know,” I replied, finally looking up. Sending him a smile, I continued, “At least they will fade, right? Even if it takes years.”
Lynda’s hand tightened on my shoulder.
“That’s the spirit,” Wyatt said.
“Your scars are your strength,” Lynda added and I looked up at her. “They show what you have been through and that you are still here, fighting. They are a part of you.”
“You’re going to make me cry,” I joked lightly even though her words meant everything.
But then another voice was added to the mix. This time I did cry.
“And it shows that you are stronger now.”
I looked up through tear-filled eyes to see Artemy standing in the doorway.
He sent me one of his beautiful smiles and he walked into the room. “I’m sorry I’m late. I was held back at the last minute.”
“It’s okay,” I said as he stopped in front of me. He leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the lips before straightening up.
“Everything good?” he asked.
“Perfect,” I replied.
“Well. We are done here.” Wyatt cleared his throat. Lynda gave me another squeeze and then let go of me.
“I’ll see you later,” she said with a wink before leaving.
Artemy wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into his body. He placed a kiss on my forehead before turning to Wyatt. “Thank you,” he said. Wyatt nodded and Artemy led me out of the room.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Good. I’m glad the stitches are out. They were very annoying and itched a lot.”
Artemy laughed and kissed me as I pouted. “I know. You have been complaining about them for days.”
When he pulled away, I didn’t like it. Leaning on my toes, I brought my lips to his and kissed him. It was quick and then I pulled away. “You are such a tease,” Artemy growled, his arm tightening around me in almost a bruising grip.
A small giggle escaped past my lips at his words and I shrugged. Placing a hand on his chest, I looked up at his shining blue eyes. “You were gone before I woke up this morning,” I said.
Artemy nodded solemnly. “I had to take care of some things. You looked too peaceful while sleeping, I didn’t want to wake you up.”
“I missed you.”
My admission was a surprise to both of us. His eyes flared dangerously and I trembled in his embrace. “Well, fuck,” he whispered harshly before slamming his lips on mine.
He pushed me against the wall, his lips devouring mine. I absorbed his kisses hungrily, like I was starving for him. His hands delved into my hair and he grasped it tight in his fist, tilting my head back.
My fingers dug in his shoulders and I moaned when he sucked at my tongue, kissing me deeper. His kisses were rough and hard, as if he was claiming me.
And then suddenly, he wasn’t in my arms anymore.
He pulled away harshly and took several steps away, his breathing hard, his eyes glittering with need. “If we don’t stop now, I won’t be able to stop later. And we are in the hallway,” he said.
“Okay,” I replied.
“I’ll see you for lunch,” Artemy said, his eyes showing his desperate hunger for me yet he held himself back. For me. All for me. Everything he had done so far…was for me.
I nodded speechlessly and he quickly swiveled around, walking away. When he was out of sight, I sank against the wall and wrapped my arms around my middle, holding myself together.
I knew what Artemy wanted. It was clear in his eyes and every time he looked at me. He held himself back, waiting for me to make the next move. His need for me grew stronger each day. I saw it every time he lost control.
But I wasn’t sure if I was ready.